Ilia Topuria shoves Justin Gaethje amid Dana White's warnings at UFC Freedom 250 pre-fight press conference faceoffs
Reigning UFC lightweight kingpin Ilia Topuria shoved interim UFC lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje. The two rivals also traded barbs before and after at the UFC Freedom 250 pre-fight press conference.
Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje traded several jibes at the UFC Freedom 250 pre-fight press conference. Additionally, things turned physical as Topuria shoved Gaethje during their ceremonial faceoffs toward the end of the press conference.
Topuria, the unbeaten MMA superstar who represents Georgia and Spain, is an ex-UFC featherweight titlist and the reigning UFC lightweight champion. Meanwhile, America's Gaethje previously held the BMF championship and now possesses the interim UFC lightweight championship.
Their much-awaited UFC lightweight championship unification matchup is scheduled to headline the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House this Sunday, June 14.
Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje's faceoff gets physical despite Dana White's warning
The rivalry between Illa Topuria and Justin Gaethje has intensified to a significant level over the past several days. On one hand, Topuria hit back after Justin's father, John Ray Gaethje, referred to him as a "little, short guy."
On the other hand, Gaethje appeared to reference Topuria's divorce with his ex-wife, Giorgina Uzcategui -- insinuating that he understands why she'd want to leave him.
"El Matador" eventually fired back with an NSFW gesture, lambasting Gaethje for the personal remarks about his former partner and their separation. Nevertheless, Gaethje seemed to double down and continued the references regarding his foe's personal life.
Needless to say, both fighters continued their war of words during the UFC Freedom 250 pre-fight press conference. Moreover, they partook in the traditional fighter faceoffs at the end of the press conference, with UFC CEO and president Dana White mediating between them onstage.
Topuria looked at his American rival and warned, "Don't come closer." Gaethje replied, "Oh, okay. You're gonna hit me?" Well, the Georgian-Spaniard fighter responded, "Yeah."
Gaethje then indicated that he's already closing the distance and has gotten right up to Topuria, daring the latter to hit him. UFC head honcho Dana White intervened and warned both fighters to avoid any physical exchanges, saying, "Don't do it."
Nevertheless, Topuria ended up shoving Gaethje. The two fighters were, however, separated after the shove, as White and other personnel onstage ensured that the altercation didn't escalate.
Watch Dana White's warning as well as Ilia Topuria shoving Justin Gaethje in the video below:
TOPURIA vs GAETHJE! #UFCWhiteHouse is LIVE SUNDAY on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/JH6vVGn0Nq
— danawhite (@danawhite) June 13, 2026
Justin Gaethje makes Lord Farquaad reference to jibe at Ilia Topuria after faceoff incident
Ilia Topuria, in the immediate aftermath of the shove, clarified that he didn't want to hurt Justin Gaethje. The 29-year-old added that he intends to hurt him in their fight inside the octagon, which is why he didn't punch him in the face.
Gaethje retorted by saying, "Look at where we're at. Look at this beautiful view. You want to act like a f**king animal? Emotional little animal."
Furthermore, upon Topuria telling him to enjoy and highlighting how he's donned two UFC title belts, Gaethje likened him to DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek" franchise character, Lord Farquaad. Gaethje said, "Looks so good on you, Lord Farquaad."
For context, the animated character is known to be the antagonist -- characterized by his short stature and ruthlessness -- in the media franchise well known in America and beyond.
Moreover, while Topuria claimed the belts look good on him, Gaethje jibed that he probably won't be able to carry the weight of a third belt.
Check out Gaethje's comments below:
